All posts tagged ‘bioware’

Star Wars: The Old Republic is a MMORPG that lets you play in the Star Wars universe. It comes from Bioware, who made my favorite Star Wars game – Knights of the Old Republic. Though Star Wars: The Old Republic is currently a subscription-based game, it is going to be introducing a free-to-play option this fall.

I started playing Star Wars: The Old Republic earlier this year. I had read reviews from GeekMom Nicole and GeekMom Kelly that got me interested. I played during one of their free weekends and got hooked. While there have been months that I haven’t played because I couldn’t justify the subscription fee, I’m excited that I will soon be able to play with limited content and not have to pay the fee.

It’s important to note that he free-to-play option will limit game options and some of the game content will not be available. However, there will be Cartel Coins that players using the free to play option can buy that can be used in the game to purchase items, boosts and more. Bioware is also giving Cartel Coins to those players who have been subscribing since the beginning. There will also be the option of continuing to subscribe which will give you all the content and updates.

I’ve seen mixed opinions about this news. Some people are excited to be able to play Star Wars: The Old Republic without paying. But others are concerned that a free-to-play option will increase the number of trolls that play. I’m optimistic about this news, though.

Mass Effect is a game series that has been in my “favorite games” list since the first title was released in 2007. The team at BioWare is gearing up for the release of the final installment next month, and I’ve been more than impressed with their recent news and events.

Last week Mass Effect celebrated “FemShep Friday.” BioWare took note of all those out there playing the lead character, Commander Shepard, as a female (hence, “FemShep”), and dedicated a day of news and releases just for her. They debuted a game trailer with a female Shepard in the lead, kicking alien butt and getting ready to save the Earth. Shepard comes to life with the phenomenal performance of voice actress Jennifer Hale; she gives the female Shepard a realistic and strong personality, a rare experience for a female lead in a video game.

In my pre-mommy days, I worked on the community relations team for DC Universe Online. The hallways of our office were wallpapered with concept art and I often spent my coffee breaks wandering up and down the halls and gazing at the images. The Art of the Mass Effect Universe, a collection published by Dark Horse Comics, gives me that same feeling — like I’m walking down the corridors of the BioWare Edmonton studio and getting a confidential, inside look at the making of the Mass Effect game series.

The first Mass Effect game was released by BioWare in 2007 and the second in 2010. It’s been such a long time that I played the first game that this art book also served as a refresher on the events and characters of the first two installments. Mass Effect 3 isn’t planned for release until March, so if you’re looking to avoid any sort of spoilers on the members of your squad, your opponents, or locations in the game, you might want to steer clear of The Art of the Mass Effect Universe until you’ve played the final game in the series. There are no major plot or story spoilers, though, so if your curiosity gets the best of you, you’re relatively safe to check out the artwork in this comprehensive collection.

The accompanying design commentary from Casey Hudson and Derek Watts adds to that insider feel by describing the “artistic journey” of bringing so many planets, cities, and aliens to life. I also enjoyed the little notes jotted down on the artwork as the artist brainstormed on various pieces of equipment or armor; you can even spot a “hi-intensity transmogrifyer” on the designs for the ship Normandy.

The concept art for the locations in the game is simply stunning. In a compilation like this, it’s easy to get a feel for the overall design and cohesiveness of the sleek Mass Effect universe.

Image: BioWare / Dark Horse Comics

As the overall plot progressed in the series, the atmosphere of the Mass Effect games have gotten darker and much more ominous. The games are rated M for Mature and the artwork reflects that, so I wouldn’t recommend keeping this volume out as a coffee table book if you have young ones around.

SWTOR is a massively multiplayer online PC game based in our beloved “galaxy far, far away,” thousands of years before the films take place. The Galactic Republic reigns peacefully here until the Sith make an unexpected return–in the form of a new Empire. Although these two foes now maintain a shaky treaty of peace, conflict threatens to break out again between the Republic and Empire.

This is where you come in. Initially, you elect to be either a Jedi or Sith, trooper or bounty hunter, or smuggler or Imperial agent. Character creation is fun and robust, with plenty of alien species and customization available to get your look just right. I’m a green-skinned Mirialan Jedi Consular. Say that three times fast.

After creating your character, you must choose which side you place your lot with. If you prefer to fight for the Republic, you cannot interact with any of your friends in the Sith Empire, and vice-versa. Although choosing a faction is common in today’s MMOs, it is frustrating to have to choose between playing the story you want and the story your friends want. As a result, all of my friends are Sith and I am the only one playing a light side Jedi. I can’t play with them in-game or even send them a message, so I am often playing the game alone.

Lucky for me, solo play is stress-free and enjoyable in SWTOR. Seeing the familiar “conversation wheels” from other BioWare titles make the game feel less like an MMO and more like a single-player game where I am the only person the NPCs care about. Quests at the beginning levels are quick and painless, and because of the terrific voice acting, I even find myself listening to the dialogue instead of skipping it.

The music in the game is incredible as well. While playing, my ears often catch a hint of a familiar melody from the films, and it effortlessly makes me feel like I am a part of the Star Wars universe.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is only a few days into its early launch, so I have barely scratched the surface of all that the game has to offer. I also have a long way to go before forming a full opinion of the game. After just a few levels, though, I find myself counting down the hours to our kiddo’s bedtime so I can play. There is usually an obligatory wait time before I can play because the servers have too many people, but it hasn’t been too bad so far.

Star Wars fans should give this game a try, even if you’ve never played an MMO before, just to feel like you can play a part in your favorite movies. The game officially launches on December 20, and charges a monthly subscription fee.